The Spotlight Circle is a collective of women and allies who are uplifting female-forward stories at Bard on the Beach. This group invests in bold new works while creating meaningful connection, a shared purpose, and a lasting experience. This year, the Spotlight Circle is supporting Kate Besworth and Ming Hudson’s production of Antigone. Read on to learn more about this new initiative!
Members of the Spotlight Circle on Opening Night of Antigone, 2026.
What inspired you to join the Spotlight Circle?
Beth Macdonald: I was so moved by last year’s production of The Dark Lady and really appreciated seeing a woman’s perspective of life in Shakespeare’s time with reference to his works. After talking with various people in Bard’s management, however, I was concerned that this type of production may not be of interest to enough theatre goers to make this play (and thus any similar future productions) viable for Bard. When I heard about the Spotlight Circle and its support for Kate Besworth’s adaptation of Antigone, I leapt at the chance to add my own support.
Elaine Stevens: For me it’s quite simple: I was intrigued by the idea that Bard was choosing to support the work of women in a concrete way, and glad that I could contribute. Seeing the unbridled joy on Kate Besworth’s face as the play received yet another standing ovation was a total delight, and reason enough for my support of such a worthy endeavour.
What aspects of the Spotlight Circle’s mission resonate most strongly with you?
Camila Merlano: I’m a big believer that stories matter and bring us together, especially in challenging times. The idea of coming together in community to support and amplify stories that challenge and connect us to the human experience through a message of hope and resilience really resonated with me.
Kerin Munro: I love that Bard has been embracing more women playwrights in recent years, including Djanet Sears, Jessica B. Hill, and Kate Besworth, and it’s been equally wonderful to see the incredible women directing, acting, designing, and working behind the scenes throughout the festival. And I mean, how wonderful is it to have a program created by women in the arts to support women in the arts? It felt like such a natural fit.
Beth: It is important to me that we support underrepresented creative voices and bring powerful women-led stories into focus. I am just delighted to find out that I am not alone in wanting to see more diverse voices and perspectives in live theatre, and to see plays that grapple with difficult issues.
What does it mean to you to be part of this community?
Camila: I love the idea of coming together to support and uplift with passion and openness. Against the backdrop where things can be so polarizing, immediate, and transactional, the Spotlight Circle provides an anchor for inspiration and mindful appreciation. There is the story on the stage, but there are the stories from all the individuals involved with the production and in the Spotlight Circle that bring us all together. It’s exhilarating.
Kerin: The women at Bard are a huge part of why this means so much to me. There are so many incredibly talented and passionate women in this organization, and they clearly love what they do and care so deeply about Bard. I feel pretty lucky to be able to support an effort that helps give these women and their work even more room to shine.
How has your involvement in this initiative changed your relationship with Bard on the Beach?
Camila: Being a part of the Spotlight Circle has created deeper roots at Bard for me, because you get to see the production come to life, you get to hear thoughtful details from the cast and crew, and it creates layers of connection and understanding. It’s been an amazing behind-the-scenes experience that has enhanced my appreciation as an audience member.
Beth: I have been a Bard supporter for many years, but this initiative has strengthened my resolve that this organization deserves my continued support.
Kerin: Just when I think Bard can’t get any better, you come up with something new that makes me appreciate it all over again. I’m continually impressed by how much you care about and nurture the Bard community and family. It really is something special.
How did your support of the Spotlight Circle impact the way you viewed Antigone?
Camila: From the first rehearsal where cast and crew were coming together and sharing their contributions, it’s given me an enriched understanding and appreciation of every single movement, chosen word, lighting cue… To get to be a part of that as an audience member is already cool, to get to contribute at a deeper level through the Spotlight Circle community is pretty awesome.
Kerin: One thing that really stuck with me is that a big part of Antigone is about voices that aren’t always heard. That feels like such a natural connection to what the Spotlight Circle is trying to do as well. I think that’s probably what I love most about it—we’re not just supporting a production, we’re helping create more opportunities for women and other voices to tell important stories. Hearing from Ming Hudson about the approach she and Kate Besworth took to the play, and the complex relationships and themes they were trying to bring forward, made me appreciate it on another level. We’re really proud to continue being part of the Spotlight Circle and excited to see what comes next. And, of course, we’re always happy to have another reason to spend more time at Bard!
Thank you to the Spotlight Circle for sharing your stories and supporting Bard in such a meaningful way!
Hear from director Ming Hudson and playwright/performer Kate Besworth about how the Spotlight Circle has supported Antigone this Season.
If this initiative resonates with you, we welcome you to join the Spotlight Circle today!
For more details, please contact our Individual Giving Manager, Jillian Reynolds, at 604-737-0625 ext. 2224.